A List of idioms. This page contains examples of idioms and an ever growing list of idioms. It is a good practice to avoid use of these idioms in poetry unless used in a completely original way.
See also: Proverbs
Idioms are expressions, sayings, or phrases whose meanings cannot be understood from the meanings of the words that make it up.
A bad apple
Meaning: A (morally) bad person who makes a whole group bad. A bad apple is someone who has a bad effect on a whole group or system. People also say, "One bad/rotten apple spoils the (whole) bushel/barrel." Example: The corruption in the government started with a bad apple, a high official two years ago. Now the whole system is corrupt.
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A bitter pillMeaning:A situation or information that is unpleasant but must be accepted.
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A dime a dozenMeaning:Anything that is common, inexpensive, and easy to get or available any where.
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A frog in someone's throat /
A frog in the throat
Meaning:
If you have a frog in your throat, you have a sore throat, or your throat is dry, and have difficulty speaking
because you want to cough.
Example:
In a speech contest last year, she suddenly got a frog in her throat and had a hard time speaking.
A: Why don't you sing with us in our next concert this Friday?
B: I wish I could, but I caught a cold and have a frog in the throat.
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A hand-me-down
Meaning:A shirt, dress, pants, etc. that an older person (especially your older brother or sister) in your family has given to you because it is too small or he/she doesn't want to wear it anymore.
A hand-me-down is a piece of clothing that has been worn by someone (especially your older brother/sister) and given to you.
Example: When I was a child, I always had to wear my sister's hand-me-downs.
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Ace in the holeMeaning:A hidden or secret strength, or unrevealed advantage.
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Achilles' heelMeaning:A metaphor for a fatal weakness in spite of overall strength.
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Add insult to injuryMeaning:To further a loss with mockery or indignity; to worsen an unfavorable situation.
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All earsMeaning:Listening intently; fully focused or awaiting an explanation.
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All thumbsMeaning:Clumsy, awkward.
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Apple of discordMeaning:Anything causing trouble, discord, or jealousy.
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At the drop of a hatMeaning:Without any hesitation; instantly.
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